Special thanks to Ray Wilkins for inspiring each of us to pick two moments – good and bad – from Poland-Ukraine which made us sit back in our seats, stare at the television, and simply say…My word.
Scott Mitchell
Best moment?
Silvestre Varela’s last-minute winner for Portugal against Denmark. The game had everything – from defensive mistakes to attacking in abundance, and you couldn’t foresee the next twist. 3-2s are always fantastic scorelines – England vs. Sweden, for example – and the best thing about it was it wasn’t Cristiano Ronaldo who grabbed it – nothing against him, but you could see how much it meant for someone like Varela to score such a vital goal.
Check it here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18430653
Worst moment?
It may not be original, but the Ukraine goal that wasn’t given. Sure, it highlighted the growing needs for goal-line technology, but these were the co-hosts…You don’t bite the hand that feeds you.
View the controversy here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzF_IuFbWcM
Harley Tamplin
Best moment?
Blaszczykowski’s strike against Russia. It had everything: A great goal scored by the captain of the co-host nation, with historical significance, and created havoc in the stands. It’s always good to see the hosts performing at an international tournament.
Take a look here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18412828
Worst moment?
Harder to think of but I’m going for Holland’s collapse. They went into the tournament amongst the favourites but were wasteful against Denmark, and clearly second best against Portugal and Germany. That attack should have fired them to the semi finals at least.
View all the goals from the Dutch’s disastrous defeat to rivals Germany here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXEDxLk5NE0&feature=related
Anthony Dunkley
Best moment?
Simple. Spain’s performance in the final. Magical.
See David Silva cap off a typically fluid Spanish move to open the scoring in the final here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18667752
Worst moment?
Germany’s exit in the semis. Having eased through the Group of Death and quarter-finals, they just looked completely outclassed by an Italian side I didn’t rate at the beginning of the tournament.
Watch the Balotelli celebration about as vibrant as the German’s semi-final performance: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_ZH2a-4IvY
James Mullan
Best moment?
Andrea Pirlo’s performance vs. England. Turned back the clock and topped it off with that majestic penalty.
View Pirlo’s cheeky Panenka here: http://www.soccer-blogger.com/2012/06/25/video-andrea-pirlo-penalty-vs-england-italy-panenka-euro-2012-quarterfinal-shootout/
Worst moment?
Balotelli continuing to show his petulance when he stormed off after losing the final to Spain.
See the spat here: http://www.3news.co.nz/VIDEO-Mario-Balotelli-spits-dummy-storms-off-after-Euro-2012-loss/tabid/317/articleID/259808/Default.aspx
Top Four Finish 